Zidian Co. gets OK for $600,000 loan

By William K. Alcorn

alcorn@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

The John Zidian Co. has been approved for a $600,000 loan from the Ohio Department of Development’s Financing Advisory Council for the purchase of machinery and equipment to be located in its Boardman facility.

As a result of the project and state assistance, Zidian has committed to create 58 new full-time jobs with an average hourly wage of $12.75 and to retain 52 current, not-at-risk, full-time jobs in Boardman, said state Rep. Ronald V. Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th.

The family-owned and operated food wholesaler is at 574 McClurg Road.

“Job creation is vital to the Boardman area. The state’s $600,000 loan will reap great benefits to the community with the creation of 58 new full time jobs at Zidian,” Gerberry said.

The investment in research and development and the resulting manufacturing expansion will produce a new product targeted to refrigerated deli departments at the retail level and launch a new division targeting the food- service segment of the food industry, Gerberry said.

The John Zidian Co., founded in 1948 by the late John Zidian Sr., produces Gia Russa Italian foods among other brands.